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2019 Beginner's Guide to CBD

It’s in your drinks, your lotions, even your pet’s favorite treats — CBD truly seems to be everywhere these days. Bluebird Botanicals created this Beginner’s Guide to CBD products to help you navigate the explosive CBD landscape and choose the best option for you.

Being a beginner has its perks. As Shunryu Suzuki aptly noted, “In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.” So being a beginner with CBD is an exciting place to be as there are limitless options for getting started on your wellness journey.

Read on for a quick yet comprehensive guide to starting out with CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the 100+ chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system found in all mammals, which is responsible for regulating many bodily systems and functions. Unlike its fellow cannabinoid THC, CBD does not cause any feeling of “high,” which contributes to its legalization across the United States.

Although hemp and marijuana are both forms of cannabis, CBD products are typically extracted from hemp or “industrial hemp,” as it’s sometimes called. This is because hemp legally cannot contain more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, while marijuana is typically used exclusively medically and recreationally for its large concentration of THC. CBD oil is also different from hemp seed oil and organic hemp oil, which are both derived from hemp seeds (not the resin) and do not contain CBD.

Research has shown how CBD works in concert with the other cannabinoids and plant compounds in cannabis to produce a multiplier effect on regulating homeostasis within the body - this is also known as the “entourage effect.”

Types of CBD

CBD is available in many different forms. This makes it easy for you to customize your CBD experience and routine based on your individual needs and preferences!

Here are a few of the most common types of CBD currently available on the marketplace.

CBD Oils

Bluebird’s primary product line is made up of full-spectrum CBD oils. These CBD-infused products may be placed in the mouth with a dropper or blended into your favorite food or beverage.

While certain users prefer CBD isolate products, many opt for full-spectrum hemp extracts that produce the entourage effect. Full-spectrum extracts include the entire array of 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant – plus the multitude of other beneficial compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, ketones, omega fatty acids, and more. The “entourage effect” describes the synergistic effect of these cannabinoids and compounds working together; in essence, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Full-spectrum CBD oils are a good choice for nearly anyone. They afford the ease of custom serving sizes and delivery methods. However, some CBD users are not a big fan of the potent, earthy taste of hemp products.

Don’t worry, Mr. Picky Palate - there’s still a CBD option for you.

CBD Soft Gels and Capsules

CBD soft gels or capsules are a great alternative to CBD oil. They offer the same, simple CBD oil in an easy-to-swallow, taste-neutral capsule and are extremely useful when it comes to getting your serving of CBD on the go. CBD capsules are also an excellent option for finicky pets who may not be over the moon about the taste of CBD.

Bluebird's CBD Soft Gels contain our most popular CBD oil blend, Hemp Classic, inside a soft gel. That means you're getting the same simple blend of full-spectrum hemp extract blended in virgin hemp seed oil. Our regular strength capsules contain 5+ mg of cannabinoids per soft gel. If you're wanting an extra kick, you can also try our Concentrated Soft Gels with 15+ mg per soft gel. Either way, CBD soft gels and capsules are a great way to customize your CBD routine to fit all of your preferences and needs.

CBD Lotions, Creams, and Topicals

CBD-infused topicals are a wonderful option for those who may be uneasy about ingesting hemp products or have specific areas of concern.

CBD works a bit differently with the body when applied topically. We’ve already mentioned the endocannabinoid system - the large network of receptors throughout the body that interact with both phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and THC) and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by your own body). Within this system, there are two different types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly clustered in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors, however, are distributed throughout the lymphatic system, immune system, and the skin.

When CBD lotions are applied topically, the cannabinoids interact more readily with the CB2 receptors. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so utilizing CBD topically can have a similar impact on health and wellness as ingesting CBD oil. CBD-infused lotions also boast all of the skin-saving benefits of regular moisturizing creams, making this option a healthful double-whammy.

CBD Edibles

Edibles are a sure-fire way to ensure everyone you know interested in CBD has a positive first experience. From CBD-infused barbecue sauce to recipes fit for the finest Thanksgiving table spread, you can make CBD edible by incorporating it into nearly any recipe.

CBD gummies are also a trendy product option, but these can be rife with added sugar that has the potential to counteract the wellness benefits of CBD, so Bluebird advises making your own.

How much CBD should I take?

Each person’s endocannabinoid system is unique. This means that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Some people only need a couple of drops or one serving size to achieve the desired effects. Others may need to experiment all the way up to the maximum daily number of servings to find their balance. The good news is that experimentation is not only safe but highly encouraged. You can experiment with the amount, concentration of CBD, and the times of day you take it to discover what feels best for you. Bluebird also always encourages consulting your medical professional before making any major changes to your diet or supplement routine.

What is CBD good for?

So, we gave you all the dirty details about how to take CBD. But the million-dollar question is, why would you even want to?

CBD is gaining popularity for a reason. Our bodies are literally wired to chemically make use of this compound.

Per FDA regulations, CBD companies are not permitted to make direct health claims about CBD or the other ingredients in their products. We can, however, tell you that this compound has been the subject of more than 23,000 studies showing the myriad of potential benefits it may have on the body. We highly recommend doing your own research through respected websites to learn more about how CBD works and what its potential benefits are.

Where to buy CBD

With the saturation of companies and products within the CBD market, it can be difficult to know how to vet the product you’re getting.

Look for companies that share third-party lab tests for their products, and make sure these tests include reporting on potency and possible contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and residual solvents. This is the only way you can truly know what is in your bottle is safe for consumption and in line with what the company is advertising.

You can find trustworthy CBD suppliers through the U.S. Hemp Authority program. The purpose of this certification is twofold: to educate hemp farmers and processors about good manufacturing processes established by the FDA and good agricultural practices, and to indicate to consumers and law enforcers which hemp products they can trust. To date, 15 hemp companies including Bluebird have been granted this certification.

Still have questions? Bluebird’s customer care team is always here for you. Give us a call at 720-726-5132 or email [email protected] to get answers to all your burning Bluebird questions.

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† FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
* Based on third-party HPLC analysis.
** Based on government limit of detection protocols.

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